Cooking utensils



Nov. 7, 1961 E. REMLEY COOKING UTENSILS Filed Dec. 3l, 1957 4Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEY E. REMLEY COOKING UTENSILS Nov. 7, 1961 4Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 3l, 1957 INVENTOR.

EUNICE REMLEY ATTORNEY E. REMLEY COOKING UTENSILS Nov. 7, 1961 4Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Deo. 3l, 1957 INVENTOR.

EUNICE REMLEY ATTORNEY Nov. 7, 1961 E. REMLEY 3,007,595

COOKING UTENSILS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 51, 1957 l INVENTOR. EUNICEREMLEY BY .4M

ATTORNEY E Patented Nov. 7, 196i 3,007,595 COOKING UTENSILS EuniceRemley, 103 Park Ave., New York, NSY.

Filed Dec. 31, 1957, Ser. No. 705,319

1 Claim. (Cl. 2ML-l) The present invention pertains to improvements incooking utensils, being a continuation in part of co-pending applicationSerial No'. 466,068, tiled November l, 1954, now abandoned.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved multiple-recesscooking utensil combination comprising two complementary pan membersadapted to be normally secured together to fform a closed vesseloperable in interchangeable top and bottom relationship to a source ofheat. Y

A `further object is to provide a device of the above nature in whichthe two pan members are articulated by means of an improved hingestructure combining extreme accuracy of lit in closed position with easeof separation when it is desired to use either or both of the panmembers separately.

A further object is to provide a device of the above type includingmeans to ensure accurate alignment between the mating upper and lowerpartition and rim surfaces of the two members without the use ofextensive offset rims, grooves and the like which would presentdifficulties in cleaning.

Yet another object of the invention is the provision oi a cookingutensil comprised of two substantially identical mating members eachbeing adapted to being employed as a top or as a bottom whereby thesealed pan members may be turned over.

Another object is to provide a utensil combination of the above type inwhich the matched dividing partitions taper inward in the same manner inboth the members to ensure even heat transfer to the food at the samerate regardless of which member is exposed to the source of heat, thusavoiding uneven cooking or burning when the vessel has been invertedduring the cooking operation.

A still further object is to provide a pair of matching handlesproportioned to be stored in the interior of the vessel when the latteris not in use, these handles being provided with latching means toattach them to the exteriors of the pan members and with means to lockthe pan assembly shut when desired.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become evident duringthe course of the following description in connection with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE l is a plan view of a typical embodiment of the utensil in openedposition to show the complementary inner structures;

FIGURE 2 is an exterior side view of the same in closed position withthe handle members in place and locked;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged cross-section in the plane 3-3, FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to FIGURE 1 but illustrating an alternativearrangement of interior compartments;

FlGURE 5 is an enlarged -fragmental section of the embodiment or" FIGUREl showing the handle attachments and the rear registry guiding means;

FIGURE 6 is a `ragrnental perspective end View of the closed utensilshowing the improved hinge structure;

FIGURE 7 illustrates the method of joining and separating the two panelements at the hinge;

FGURE 8 is an enlarged detail view of an end of the hinge pin; and

FIGURES 9 and 10 are respectively planned views and side elevations of asimilar utensil in which the pans are rectangular instead of round.

Referring to FlGURE l, the numerals lll and 11 generally designate apair of complementary pan members adapted to be joined by a hingestructure l2.

either pan member resting on the heat source, for simplioity inexplanation the members 10 and ll will normally be referred to as theupper and the lower member respectively. The lower member 11 ispreferably of unitary cast construction, comprising a base plate 13, arim ltd, and partitions or ribs l5 and 16, therrim and partitionsextending vertically from the base'plate to define the depth of the panmember and to divide the interior thereo` into three compartments i7, 18and 19. Similarly, the upper pan member lil comprises base plate 20,-rim 2l and partitions 22 and 23 dividing the interior into cavitiesi711, l3nt and 19a, which match the respective cavities i7, 1S and 19 ofmember 1l.

iin the case of each pan member the rims and partitions terminate in ailat plane, so that when the utensil is closed as shown in FIGURES 2 and3, a sealing joint 24 is formed between all the matching surfaces of therims and of the partitions which define the interior cavities, and thejoined pans may be turned or reversed instead of opening them andindividually turning the food. V

The upper and lower pan members are provided with matching handles 2S,FIGURE 2, carrying corrugated grips 26 or heat-insulating material.These handles are de'tachably secured in place by means ofspring-pressed latches Z7 which engage spuds 28 projecting from the rearsides of the pan members, as illustrated in section in -FlGURE 5.

The spuds 2S have inclined outer surfaces 29 adapted to engage theinwardly directed detenta 30 of the latches to rock the latter againstthe pressure of compression springs 3l, so that to attach the handles itis merely necessary to push them forward until the detents 3d snap intocorresponding notches 3l in the spuds.

The contact surfaces of the detents 30 and the notches 32 may beoutwardly inclined at a slight angle which together with the location ofthe ulcrum pins 33 urges to the handles inward to the `full extent ofthe spuds, thus preventing any tendency to looseness or rattling.

In removing the handles, the latches are released by pressing theirextended rear corners 34% inward. The handles may be so proportioned asto be readily enclosed Within one of 4the compartments such ascompartment l-la of the composite utensil when the latter is not in use,thus minimizing the over-all bulk space required either in kitchenstorage or in shipment. i

For various cooking operations utilizing the utensil in closed position,particularly those wherein turning is involved, the device may be lockedshut, by means of a loop catch 3S swivelled in the outer end ot onehandle and adapted to be swung around into locking engagement with theother as shown in FGURE 2.

it will be evident from the foregoing description that the deviceprovides a highly convenient means of simultaneously cooking a number ordifferent dishes while keeping the latter effectively separated by thesealing joint 2d formed by the engaging ilat contact surfaces of the twopan members. The accurate maintenance of this seal requires that noappreciable looseness can exist in the hinge l2, since lost motion atthis point could result in tipping between the pan members and breakingof the seal when the handles 25 are pressed toward each other. At thesame time, easy engagement of the hinge is desirable, as well as easyseparation at the completion of cooking or when itis desired to use thetwo pans separately.

Whilefy as hereinafter described, the utensil may be used with These twoqualities are achieved in the following manner:

Referring to FIGURES 6 and 7, it will be seen that the lower pan hasformed thereon a central hinge lug 36 in which a transverse hinge pin 37is tightly secured either by means of a retaining pin 38 or if desired,by press t. Projecting end portions of the hinge pin 37 are partly cutaway to form parallel flats 39 and 46 which are directed angularlyforward and upward, as best seen in FIGURE 7. The lower edge of the at39 is slightly bevelled off to the remaining periphery of the pin so asto form a narrow angular cam surface 41, as shown in enlarged detail inFIGURE 8.

The upper pan carries a pair of formed lugs 42 spaced laterally tostraddle the lower pan lug 36 and having substantially key-hole shapedapertures adapted to engage the end projections of the hinge pin 37,each aperture comprising a cylindrical inner zone 43 from which a radialslot 44 extends out through the forward side of the lug.

The diametral dimension of the cylindrical zone 43, which latter extendsthroughout approximately 270 degrees of arc, is adapted to provideengagement with the remaining peripheral zones 45 of the hinge pinextensions with a snug t, defined in machine practice as a fit whichwhile allowing sliding movement, permits no appreciable clearance orshake. On the other hand, the width of the slot 44 is substantiallygreater than the thickness of the hinge pin between ats 39 and 40.

When it is desired to hinge the two pan members together, the upper panis moved downward at approximately the angle shown in FIGURE 7, thesides of slots 44 passing readily over the fiats 39 and 4t) on the pin37, until the upper peripheral zones y45 of the pin are engaged by theinner surfaces of the cylindrical zones 43. The upper pan is then swungtoward the closed position, the peripheral zones of the pin and matchingcylindrical surfaces 43 mutually centering to provide the previouslymentioned snug hinging fit. As the closing operation is started, theabove centering action is assisted by the action of the cam surfaces 41which automatically guide the path into concentric position withoutrequirement for particular care or skill on the part of the user.

When it is desired to separate the parts the reverse of the foregoingprocedure is carried out, the snug fit being released as the upper panswings approximately to the angle shown in FIGURE 7 to permit easyremoval. It will be noted that the release angle is such that while theupper pan may be temporarily swung to vertical position for inspection,stirring, etc., of food without release of the accurate hinge fit,withdrawal is accomplished at an angle sufficiently high to preventinterference with other utensils which may be occupying the forwardlyadjacent zone of the stove.

If for some purposes it is desirable to use both the pans in opencondition but still attached, the upper pan may be swung through therelease position into horizontal alignment with the lower pan, duringwhich operation the hinge joint again passes from loose to snug fit, alower corner camming bevel 41a being provided on the pin 37 tofacilitate the transition in the manner previously described.

While the opening and closing actions have been illustrated with the pan11 normally occupying the bottom position, these operations may becarried out in the same manner when the utensil is disposed in invertedposition.

From the foregoing description, it is evident that the structureprovides a dual utensil which while readily separable, is adapted toestablish and maintain the effective flat sealing joint 24 without theneed for gaskets, extensive offsets, grooves and tongues or the likewhich would present difficulties in proper removal of food residue andwashing.

To assist in maintaining accurate lateral registry between the matchingrims and internal partitions of the two pan members, a small conicaldowel 46, FIGURE 5, is disposed at the rear end of one of the pans(illustrated as the lower pan 11) to engage a corresponding socket 47 inthe other pan. This dowel also prevents any tendency to lateralstraining of the hinge 12 in case of careless or rough handling of theclosed utensil such as knocking against a stove top or burner gridduring turning, thus allowing the hinge to be made of minimum width asshown while maintaining a high degree of accurate registry as previouslyset forth.

In the preferred form of the utensil as shown in section in FIGURE 4, itwill be noted that the internal ribs or partitions such as 16 taperuniformly in thickness from their respective base plates to the jointplane 24, and that the depths and proportioning of the two pan membersare substantially identical. The tapered rib construction provides forefficient transmission of heat to the sides of the food volumes beingcooked, while the practical identity in construction makes cookingcharacteristics the same regardless of which pan is occupying the bottomposition.

The advantage in easy timing for uniform cooking will be evident,particularly when turning is required, since if for example the uppermember of such a dual combination were made in the form of a thin sheetmetal sealing cover in contrast to the relatively thick cast bottommember, turning could readily result in local scorching of the foodunless relatively high timing skill were employed in operating at twodiffering cooking rates. Uniformity in cooking characteristics is alsoobviously an advantage when the pans are employed separately, forexample when it is desired to cook a double quantity of the same foodcombination.

In cooking processes requiring occasional release of internal pressures,the catch 35, FIGURE 3, may be left in released position. In such casesthe weight of the upper pan holds the utensil closed until the pressurerises sufciently to tip the upper member slightly upward and effectrelief, after which the upper pan drops again into sealing relation, theconical guiding dowel 46 assisting in ensuring proper alignment.

Referring to FIGURES 9 and 10, I show a modified form of the inventionin which the pans 63 and 64 are rectangular in form, one of them isprovided with a large compartment 69 and small ones 70 and 71 and theseare separated by internal ribs or partitions 65 and 66 which taperuniformly in thickness from their respective base plates to the jointplane above referred to and it will be noted that the depth and theproportioning of the two pan members are substantially the same. Theother pan member 64 has a large compartment 69a which matches thecompartment 69, while smaller compartments 70a and 71a mate with thecompartments 76 and 71.

These pans are hinged together with hinge elements 53 which aresubstantially identical with the hinge elements 12, and the elements6ft, 61 and 62 are substantially identical with the elements 36, 37 and42 respectively.

The handles 55 are detachable and they are substantially identical withthe handles 26 described above.

The two pan elements 63 and 64, when they are closed together andsecured together by the catch 59, are fluid tight and consequentlyturning the utensil over to turn the food without opening it, will notresult in any spilling of the contents (not even hot grease).

As hitherto set forth, the device has been described as providing threecompartments separated by parallel ribs, but it will be obvious thatvarious other internal arrangements can be used, for example that shownin FIGURE 4, in which three unequal compartments 4S, 49 and 5@ aredefined by a diametral rib 51 and a short transverse rib 52.

It will thus be seen that there is provided a device in which theseveral objects of this invention are achieved and which is well adaptedto meet the conditions of practical use.

As possible embodiments might be made of the above invention, and asvarious changes might be made in the embodiments set forth, itis to beunderstood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanyingdrawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of theinvention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, what isclaimed is:

In a cooking utensil, in combination, a pair of pan members ofsubstantial depth each comprising a base plate with a peripheral rirnand internal partitions extending from said plate to a common at planesurface, said rims and partitions of said two pan members beingdetachably coupled in complementary relationship with said planesurfaces engaged in sealing relationship to establish a plurality ofseparate sealed compartments Withln sald utensil, a hinge lug on one ofsaid pan memeral portions of said pin in snug moving t relation and saidradial slots being of widths adapted to permit pas* sage of the sidesthereof over said at portions in loose clearance relation, said pinfurther having camming surfaces connecting at least one peripheralportion to said extending portions for guiding the circular zone intoconcentric relationship with said peripheral portions, a tapered dowelon one of the pan members, the other pan member being provided With acorresponding recess in which said dowel is engaged; and handle means oneach of said pan members opposite said hinging lugs locking the panmembers together.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS472,811 Pickett et a1. Apr. 12, 1892 770,595 Lovette Sept. 20, 19041,500,163 Tate July 8, 1924 1,732,347 Weisenborn Oct. 22, 1929 1,745,592White Feb. 4, 1930 2,011,675 Cawood Aug. 20, 1935 2,398,573 Becker Apr.16, 1946 2,555,473 Deaton June 5, I1951 2,712,151 Becht July 5, 1955FOREIGN PATENTS 618,827 Great Britain Feb. 28, 1949

